The Christmas Advent series is available in print or ebook on Amazon. This series looks at the Christmas Story from the perspective of some of those involved so long ago. Each week focuses on a different person and perspective as we examine the text and then explore ways we might apply what we’ve learned to our own lives.

This series can be used over four or five weeks and includes a weekly reading of Scripture, a devotional thought, questions to ponder and a variety of family activities. Contents

Christmas from Mary’s Perspective

Christmas from Joseph’s Perspective

Christmas from the Shepherds’ Perspective

Christmas from the Magi’s Perspective

Christmas from Simeon & Anna’s Perspective

My prayer is that the Lord would use this study to help refocus your heart this Christmas season on Christ Jesus and foster an attitude of worship, gratitude and giving to others.

Christmas Day with all of its excited and anticipation is behind us for the year. A New Year is just around the corner! This is usually a time when we are reflecting on our past year and making plans and looking forward to the newness of the coming year. What will the New Year hold? What joys, sorrows, blessings and disappointments are in store? None of us know. But there is something exciting about new beginnings—we make resolutions, we clean out the clutter and we set new goals. But if you are like most of us, we are often into the next year just a short time, when our perseverance begins to give out and we tend to give up. We give up on many of those plans we made and goals we set. Our passage this week speaks to this very idea of anticipation and perseverance. Remember, Christmas is not just about one day or season a year, but is a mindset and spirit that should guide our thoughts and actions all throughout the year.

When reading this part of the Christmas story, I have to tell you, I can’t help but see the Charlie Brown Christmas special in my mind. I love that Charlie Brown quotes this passage of Scripture almost verbatim. What a great childhood memory for me! And one we shared with our children as they were growing up. And…I still watch it every year!…

Christmas is upon us! Many of us have already been preparing our homes for Christmas, scheduling our holiday calendar of activities and have probably even done some Christmas shopping. Perhaps you’ve set out at Nativity in your home or yard.

Have you ever wondered what those present during the first Christmas were thinking? …continue reading